A federal judge issued a temporary block late Thursday against President Trump’s visa restrictions for foreign students who plan to attend Harvard University, pending upcoming hearings later this month.
This order from U.S. District Judge Alison Burrows came quickly after Harvard filed a request for an expedited ruling to counter Trump’s declaration.
Burrows’s decision was made even before the government had a chance to respond. She noted that the university would face “immediate and irreparable injuries” before all parties involved could be heard.
The judge, appointed by a former president and now based in Boston, has scheduled a hearing on June 16 to determine if Trump’s declaration will be blocked indefinitely.
Trump’s announcement signifies a new strategy in the ongoing conflict between his administration and Ivy League universities, focusing on compliance with various demands, including adjustments to enrollment policies and addressing anti-Semitism more vigorously.
Harvard was the first institution to agree to the administration’s terms back in April, which included freezing over $2 billion in federal funds.
Recently, the Department of Homeland Security initiated a second lawsuit after revoking recognition of international students’ accreditation, prompting Harvard to seek urgent legal relief, which ultimately led to Burrows’s intervention.
Harvard accused Trump of dodging an earlier lawsuit after issuing a new declaration, insisting that the court intervene immediately to stop it.
“The declaration merely reflects the administration’s attempts to accomplish what the courts have aimed to prevent, and the judiciary should not endorse this,” Harvard’s legal representatives stated in their filing.
Trump’s declaration refers to federal law that allows the President to restrict entry for certain non-citizen groups deemed harmful to national interests.
“In my view, Harvard’s actions have made it an unsuitable destination for international students and researchers,” the declaration argues.
It continues, “Denying access to Harvard under the guise of educational exchanges aligns with national interests until universities comply with federal requests aimed at safeguarding national security and American citizens.”
DHS Deputy Secretary Tricia McLaughlin commented on the situation, emphasizing that the case aims to clarify the President’s rights under Article 2 of the Constitution. She suggested it is a privilege for universities to benefit from tuition revenues tied to international students, which can support their operations significantly. The Trump administration is focused on bringing “common sense” back to the student visa process, asserting that no lawsuits are in place to challenge this approach.
